OBITUARY: C. R. McClean, 1870-1921, Mitchell Co., Iowa
[March 21, 1921]
C. R. McClean Ends Life by Hanging
Mind of one of Osage's Best Men Became Unbalanced After Long Illness
There could scarcely have come to Osage people a greater shock than that
which friends and acquaintances received about 8 o'clock last Thursday
morning when they learned that C.R. McClean had hanged himself in the attic
of his home on east Main street. For some time he had been in ill health
andthis had affected his mind to such a degree that the rash act was done.
Although his family and some intimate friends were aware his mind was
somewhat unbalanced and he had been closely watched, the deed was committed
in such a short time that he was not discovered until it was done.
He had wired the attic door shut so that his wife could not open it but
had to call a neighbor who forced in the door, cut the rope and let the
body down. Drs. Lott and Wiggins were summoned at once and although Mr.
McClean was apparently dead when they arrived the worked with him until
he revived and although he never regained consciousness lived until about
4 o'clock Friday morning.
Funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. Lemon and on Saturday
morning the remains were taken to his old home at Union for burial.
Although the McCleans have only lived in Osage only about a year they are
universally admired and respected, and the grief stricken family have the
sincerest sympathy of all.
Mr. McClean's pastor, Rev. Lemon, read the following obituary and tribute
at the funeral services.
Charles Ross McClean was born at Union, Iowa, Dec. 16, 1870. He
attended Penn college at Oskaloosa, Iowa, and also took courses at
the State college at Ames. He was married to Miss Juanita Howard at
Union, June 28, 1905. She and three daughters, Wanda Marie, Josephine
Pearl and Marian, are called to suffer the tragedy of his going.
He also leaves his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Charles McClean of
Union; two brothers, Clarence G. McClean, a missionary of the Friends
church in Hoiquin, Cuba; Dr. Earl McClean of Des Moines, and one
sister, Mrs. Pearl Glenney of Union.
Mr. McClean was a farmer by birth and choice. He was an especially
expert corn man, often winning in the agricultural contests, and his
judgment was considered the best by those who knew his qualifications
in this respect.
He was very partial in his early life to the Quaker church, esteeming
them very highly for their integrity and their deep spirituality,
though he was never a member of that church. In the first year of
their married life Mr. and Mrs. McClean united with the Methodist
Episcopal church and have both been active and faithful members since
that time.
When they came to Osage about a year ago they immediately transferred
their membership and have been active in every department of the
church work, the official board appreciating his sterling character
and consecration so much that he was elected to membership in the
board last conference. He was a very spiritually minded man and I am
sure that the unanimous judgment of his brethren is that he was one
of the most consistent and valuable members in the church.
The sadness of these last few months while he was fighting a losing
battle with ill health and mental depression had only endeared him
the more, not only to his family but also to those who were near
enough to him to realize the struggle through which he was passing.
He was an intelligent and consecrated Christian gentleman in the
truest sense of that term, and nothing higher that this can be said
of any man.
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This transcription was submitted to IAGENWEB for personal family history
purposes only, and shall not be used for personal gain.
Transcribed by: Marilyn O'Connor, August 2005